Red Hot Entrepreneurs 2014
Founder and Director, PinkFitz
Kate Fitzpatrick says she´d ″rather climb a mountain at 6am with amazing people than stumble out of a club with whoever was left.″ In 2013, this yearning for a circle of like-minded fitness freaks grew into PinkFitz, an online personal training community specifically for LGBTQ people. Why focus on our demographic? Fitzpatrick says we have high levels of obesity, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, and PinkFitz is a tool to change that. With custom meal plans, workouts, personal training and motivation, ″you can be anywhere in the world and still be part of PinkFitz, and engage in a healthy homo lifestyle,″ Fitzpatrick says. In fact, she´s inspired by one of her clients, a lesbian teacher in Mississippi who was fired for being gay. Now the woman has supportive friends across the globe and support on her path to wellness through PinkFitz. All in a day´s work for Fitzpatick, who was the youngest person ever elected to Australian local government (at 19!) and still volunteers with numerous LGBT groups. ″I was told focusing on the LGBT community was silly and narrowing my audience,″ she admits. ″I just didn´t listen. I followed the tune my heart sang and I believed. Believe it; achieve it!″
Leaders of the pack!
PATRICE K. COKLEY
Founder, The Bassline Group
Detroit native Patrice K. Cokley began college as a music major, but soon found the focus on classical piano too limiting—the high-octane business side of the entertainment industry was more her speed. After graduating with a BS and MBA in marketing, Cokley held a number of customer-focused positions and freelance marketing consultancies in diverse industries, an informal career path that seeded The Bassline Group. Her Chicago-based boutique agency specializes in branding, marketing, public relations and management for entertainers and creative artists, ″where I [can] work with those who are serious about building a viable business around their talent or skill,″ she says. Tapping into one´s inner passion is a big driver for Cokley, both professionally and personally. ″Being a quadruple minority (black, female, lesbian and plus-sized) who breaks all stereotypes, I find inspiration in other entrepreneurs and business-oriented people who either went against the grain to achieve success, or found success just by simply being their true authentic selves. I´m inspired by pioneers who were able to carve out their own path.″ A strong advocate for mentoring other women in business, Cokley advises entrepreneurs to trust their instincts—and to turn down clients or partnerships that don´t feel like a good fit. ″By being your true authentic self and operating with integrity, you will attract those who are meant for you,″ she says.
